3.4 Real Zeros of Polynomials

Rational zeros theorem

If the polynomial P(x) has integer coefficients, then every rational zero of P is of the form p/q where p and q are integers and p is a factor of the constant coefficient and q is a factor of the leading coefficient

Variation in sign

Occurs whenever adjacent coefficients have opposite signs

Upper bound

All zeros are less than the number

Lower bound

All zeros are greater than the number